Portland Public Library Sets Circulation Record

Portland Public Library set a lending record for the July 2007– December 2007 period, reporting a 10% increase over the same period last year. “This is especially encouraging to us,” said Executive Director Steve Podgajny, “as it follows a record-setting year that ended in July, and it now marks an 18-month period of record lending.” Book circulation swelled by 10% and borrowing of audiovisual items grew by 11%, both exhibiting substantial increases.

For the year ending June 30, 2007, the Portland Public Library system lent 742,779 items and experienced 617,449 visits from users.

Lending of materials is one of the key statistics libraries use to gauge activity. Preliminary figures for January 2008 show a 7% increase over last year, continuing the strong positive trend. The Library is currently raising funds for the renovation of its downtown facility located at 5 Monument Square, one of its six locations. This project is expected to further increase lending rates when completed.

For more information about the Portland Public Library system, including an online catalog and program information, visit the Library’s website at www.portlandlibrary.com.